Coursework
- Course Requirements
- Corequisites
- Professional Development
- Thesis or Comprehensive Examinations
- Time Requirements
- Frequently Asked Questions
Course Requirements
The program leading to the Master of Arts in TESOL consists of 12 courses, including both required and elective options, totaling 36 units.
| Total | 36 units | |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | 27 units | |
| TESL 505 | Second-Language Acquisition | 3 |
| TESL 515 | Teaching English Grammar | 3 |
| TESL 525 | Teaching English Pronunciation | 3 |
| TESL 545 | Second-Language Pedagogy I* | 3 |
| TESL 550 | Second-Language Pedagogy II | 3 |
| TESL 557 | Reflective Teaching* | 3 |
| TESL 560 | Language Program Design | 3 |
| TESL 570 | Second-Language Assessment | 3 |
| Select one of the following: | ||
| TESL 530 | Intercultural Communication and Language Teaching | 3 |
| TESL 535 | Sociolinguistics and Language Teaching | 3 |
| *Required course for the TEFL Certificate | ||
| Elective Courses | 9 units | |
| Students select three courses from a variety of electives. Options include: | ||
| TESL 509 | Special Topics in TESOL | 1-3 |
| TESL 537 | Critical Perspectives on Christianity and English Language Teaching | 3 |
| TESL 548 | Teaching EFL with Children | 3 |
| TESL 589 | Research Methods in TESOL | 3 |
| TESL 590 | Thesis Preparation | 3 |
| TESL 599 | Readings in TESOL | 1-3 |
Corequisites
- Prior to graduation, native speakers of English must verify completion within the last 10 years of a minimum of 6 semester units of college-level foreign language with at least a 3.0 grade-point average on a 4.0 scale, or its equivalent. Many options exist to satisfy the foreign language requirement, including formal course work, community language learning, or study abroad. Students may also establish proficiency via an exam.
- Nonnative speakers of English scoring between 550 and 600 on the TOEFL will complete TESL 500 during their first semester of graduate work. This course enhances students' listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills as preparation for graduate study. Degree credit is not given for the course. (A student with an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution in which English is the medium of instruction and a grade-point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale may waive this requirement.)
Professional Development
Students are required to provide evidence of the following prior to completion of the program:
- Membership in a professional organization for teachers of English as a second or foreign language, such as TESOL (Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages) or IATEFL (International Association of Teachers of English as a Foreign Language)
- Attendance at a national, state, or regional conference sponsored by one of these organizations
Thesis or Comprehensive Examinations
Students may choose either to take comprehensive examinations or to write a thesis to complete the program. Students who choose to write a thesis must enroll in TESL 589 Research Methods in TESOL as one of their electives; most will also enroll in TESL 590 Thesis Preparation, or a comparable course in research methods, as their second elective. After completing the thesis, students must provide an oral defense. Students who opt to finish the program by course work take both oral and written comprehensive examinations.
Time Requirements
Students may begin TESOL studies in either Fall I (September) or Spring I (February).
The program is offered in a four-term format: Fall I, Fall II, Spring I, and Spring II. Full-time students typically enroll in two courses per session and can complete the entire program in approximately six terms (one-and-a-half years). Part-time students taking one course each term can complete the program in about three years.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the degree requirements? Will I have to write a thesis?
Degree candidates have a choice between writing a thesis and taking comprehensive
examinations. Other requirements include 36 units of course work, of which
30 units are required courses and 6 units are electives. In addition, students
must initiate ongoing professional development by attending at least one professional
conference and joining a professional organization such as TESOL, Inc.
How many units do most students take per semester?
Each semester is divided into two nine-week terms. A full load is two three-unit
courses per term. Students who are also working full time, however, often
prefer to take just one course at a time.
How long do students take to complete the degree?
Students who take a full load can complete the program in 18 months, though
most take an extra semester to prepare for the comprehensive exams and complete
the degree in 22 months. Students who take just one course per term complete
the program in about three years.
Does finishing in 18 months require taking summer classes? If not, are
summer courses still available?
The 18-month period assumes no summer courses. None of the required courses
are offered in the summer, but elective options are available for those who
want to take summer classes. Taking a summer course, however, will not shorten
the time to earn the degree.
Is it feasible to begin the program in the spring semester?
Yes, you can begin the program either semester and still expect to complete
the program within 18 months.
When are classes taught? Are there a variety of class schedules available?
All classes are taught 4:45-9:15 p.m., Monday-Thursday, to accommodate students
who work during the day. Each class meets one evening per week for nine weeks.
How large are the classes in the campus-based TESOL program?
Class size varies anywhere between 6-25 students. Most classes have at least
8, but no more than 20 students.
